When and how to plant fruit trees for ‘fruitful’ results

Tim Hartmann, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service statewide fruit specialist and assistant professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Bryan-College Station, said establishing fruit trees in Texas takes some planning. Plant most fruit trees in winterDecember through February is the best time to plant most fruit trees in Texas. “The idea is to plant fruit trees as early as possible to give their roots time to grow during those mild winter days,” Hartmann said. “That strong root establishment sets the foundation, and it pays off when the heat and drought of summer conditions set in.”An exception is subtropical fruit trees. Choose the right tree for your locationChoosing the right tree for your area is the first important step.